HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

HAPPY 2006!

HOPE THIS YEAR IS BETTER THAN THE LAST!
This'll be my last post of the year. I'll be back January 3, 2006.
Thanks for tuning in, folks. See you next year.
Love, Sweepea

Star Sighting of the Day

David Koechner
I went to see "King Kong" last night at the Pacific theater at the Sherman Oaks
Galleria, and I spotted the "Anchorman" actor in line to see a movie. Wish I could've found out which movie he was there to see, but couldn't.

"King Kong" was a great flick, bee tee dub.

Huh?

I'm sorry, what did you say? What? WHAT?? I'm sorry, I can't hear you over this room.

[Courtesy of Retrocrush]

"Va Va Voom" Star of the Day

Helen Forrest
One of the more popular big band singers of the era, Helen Forrest is a performer that some might not consider a jazz vocalist, but she has the exceptional ability to project lyrics. Forrest used several names early in her career, among them The Blue Lady and Bonnie Blue. She began singing in her brother's band in Washington, D.C., then performed with Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Nat King Cole's trio, and Lionel Hampton.

In 1940 she then began to score hits working with the Harry James Orchestra. During the early '40s, she had a string of successes. Later she teamed with Dick Haymes on his radio show and on six duets that were big hits. Forrest cut back her activity in the '50s, then sang with Tommy Dorsey's Orchestra led by Sam Donahue in the early '60s. She continued to work on the club circuit in the '70s and '80s, making a new album for Stash in 1983.

I discovered her while watching the Esther Williams/Red Skelton flick "Bathing Beauty," where she is featured singing with Harry James and his Orchestra. Her voice and style is soothing and definitely gives the reminiscence of old time Americana.  Here's the scene (notice both Esther Williams and Helen Forrest gorgeous gowns!).

More info on her career can be found here.

Familiar Bedroom...

Is it just me or does this remind anyone else of the kids' bedroom in "Escape to Witch Mountain"? Bet you there's a Winnebago parked outside; Jason is waiting for Tony to make the harmonica play itself thereby distracting the bad guys.

Man, I love that movie. But, yeah, this bedroom sucks.

Retro Videos

Check out Rhino's website...they have a whole section of what they call "Retro Vids" where you can watch everything from 10,000 Maniacs to ZZ Top.

My personal faves to watch were "Gumby" (but only 2 of em...wah) and "Land of the Lost" episodes.

Star Sighting of the Day

Michael Cudlitz
Spotted this former "Beverly Hills 90210" castmate (anyone speak German?) while at the Coffee Bean on Ventura Blvd. in Studio City this morning. This makes the third cast member of the show I've seen in the last 6 months: Jennie Garth and Luke Perry being the other two.

You might also know him as the drunk obnoxious poet in "Grosse Pointe Blank."

What Kind of Cowboys...?

The Cowboy Bar in Jackson, WY

After the building developed both leprosy and hemorrhoids, attendence at the Cowboy Bar drastically declined.

[Courtesy of Lileks]

Sanka Saved This Family

At first I thought the top picture was the boy picking the coffee beans for the dad's coffee. However then I realized that poor Billy has pillows around his bum from being beaten so severely by his "old man." But you can't really be angry at the man for spanking little Billy over a harmless "boyish prank"...it's the "caffein" in his coffee. I'm sure the social worker is relieved to hear that the father's switched to Sanka.

Of course, the judge has ruled that Billy is not allowed in the house anymore, but must watch his father enjoying Sanka from the kitchen window. It's for the best.

On a total side note...I wonder what the prank was, seeing as how Billy is strapped up in chaps and spurs in every picture.

[Courtesy of Adflip]

Happy New Year!

Here's my New Year's wallpaper for you to have on your desktop this week.
...Hopefully your evening is as good as this guy's!

formatted for Macs at 1344 x 1008